10. “Let Her Dance” – The Bobby Fuller Four (Fantastic Mr. Fox)

Mr. Fox and his friends and family have reason to celebrate, as they’ve just defeated Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. As they take charge and claim the three farmers’ supermarket as their own, The Bobby Fuller Four declare, “Dance!”

8. “Queen Bitch” – David Bowie (The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou)

Over the course of the film, Steve Zissou loses two loved ones, battles pirates, and produces an award-winning documentary that is very Cousteau-like. In other words, he is a bonafied badass who deserves an equally kick-ass send off. David Bowie is only fitting.

7. Judy is a Punk – Ramones (The Royal Tenebaums)

Up until this point, we, like the other Tenenbaums, only knew Margot as this quiet, private person. Then, as the Ramones begin to sing their famous tune, “Judy is a Punk,” we learn that Margot is just that: a punk rocker – but without the music.

6. “Starálfur” – Sigur Rós (The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou)

Steve Zissou and his team of ocean explorers finally come face-to-face with the jaguar shark that is responsible for the death of one of their own and Zissou stands down as he admires the beauty of the majestic creature – and Sigur Rós simply amplifies this heartbreaking scene with “Starálfur,” which has a fantasy-like element of its own.

5. “Powerman” – The Kinks (The Darjeeling Limited)

As their spiritual journey finally comes to an end, the Whitman Brothers are finally able to let go of all their baggage, both literally and figuratively, as they run to catch their train. What could possibly make this scene even more epic? Oh, yeah. The Kinks!

4. “These Days” – Nico (The Royal Tenenbaums)

Fast Times at Ridgemont High: “Moving in Stereo.” Wayne’s World: “Dream Weaver.” The Royal Tenenbaums: “These Days.” It gives life to the scene as Margot descends the Green Line Bus and Richie’s dream comes true.

3. “Ooh La La” – The Faces (Rushmore)

Everything comes full circle as Max Fischer and Herman Blume declare peace, ending their painfully hilarious war, which all started because of one woman: Rosemary Cross. Everyone gathers on the dance floor and pair up as The Faces’ joyful tune, “Ooh La La,” begins to play, promising that everything will, in fact, be ok.

2. “Le temps de l’amour” – Francoise Hardy (Moonrise Kingdom)

Sam and Suzy have what I think is a very French relationship, bringing certain people to mind like Anna Karina, Jean-Paul Belmondo, and every other Godard character you can imagine. Seconds after Sam pierces Suzy’s ears with fishhooks – almost like taking her virginity – and they declare their love for one another, they share their first dance together as Francoise Hardy’s “Le temps de l’amour” spins on a tiny portable Barrington record player.

1. “Needle In the Hay” – Elliott Smith (The Royal Tenenbaums)

There’s no denying it: Richie Tenenbaum loves his adopted sister, Margot, and when he discovers she’s had countless (secret) affairs, including one with his best friend, Eli Cash, something snaps and he spirals down into a deeper depression. Elliott Smith’s “Needle In the Hay” does what you would expect. It leaves you feeling heavyhearted as Richie decides to kill himself because he simply can’t go on living without Margot by his side.